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Best Places For Last Minute Gifts In Los Angeles

Whether it’s a last-minute holiday invitation or your busy fall schedule got in the way, arriving to the party empty handed is an RSVP faux pas. The good news is that you happen to live where finding chic and trendy boutiques filled with treasures and gift items is within a short driving distance. Here is a last-minute gift guide that will bring a smile to your recipient’s face.

You can’t go wrong with a gift that not only looks cool, but is also useful to your recipient. For both the novice and the aficionado, Bar Keeper is the perfect spot for your holiday gift shopping. Easily accessible for the quick stop by, Bar Keeper recently introduced its Cocktail Gift Boxes. These full-service gift baskets feature all of the necessary ingredients to make a mean martini. Available in Mixologist or Classic, each gift basket comes equipped with recipes, bitters, spirits and glassware. Great for gift giving, the boxes are packaged in a retro-looking hatbox for a very “Mad Men” feel.

If you’re looking for last minute gifts, Anthropologie is a terrific place to visit around the holidays as well as year round. The home furnishings/accessories and fashion chain has locations throughout the LA area and is the perfect destination to pick up home decor that reflects a fun bohemian style as well as clothes of the same style. From jewelry, candles, coffee table books and ornaments to women’s fashion staples such as tops, pants and more, Anthropologie is a on our list for a great spot for last minute gifts.

Finding yourself on Abbot Kinney has so many holiday-inspired benefits, including popping into Firefly for that last-minute gift item. Known for an eclectic array of home decor, books, jewelry and other knick-knack gems, Firefly is truly a spot where you can find something for everyone. The handmade Peruvian blankets or letterpress stationary may catch your eye. Or, your gift recipient may appreciate the hand-printed rainbow screen paint or one of the adorable baggu leather wedge pouches. If you are looking for a quick hostess gift, Firefly has many candles and cookbooks that anyone would appreciate.

The mouth-watering delicacies from Joan’s on Third are true gifts – even if you are buying something for yourself. An edible gift is always appreciated during the holidays, especially when your house is the one with the revolving door. Opt for the Tower of Homemade Sweets, filled with Joan’s signature cookies, or the Tower of Cupcakes, featuring the exquisite designs of Joan’s pastry chefs. Joan’s on Third requires a 24-hour notice for pick up or delivery and a 48-hour notice during the busy month of December. For an additional fee, you can have your gifts delivered.

If you have ever walked into Only Hearts, you will know that this Montana Avenue retailer is filled with gifts for the boudoir that are easily accessible for the last-minute shopper. Known for its sexy lingerie, Only Hearts has many more secrets behind its doors. Here you will find gift items from jewelry and candles to clothes and traditional pajamas. Everyone loves a comfy pair of jammies during the holiday season and Only Hearts is the boutique to find them. Give the tranquil gift of the oversized men’s-inspired Piped Pajamas, made in super-soft, 100-percent organic cotton.

Pasadena is a gem when it comes to unusual boutiques and places to buy gifts. And the Little Flower Candy Co. is no exception. A great place to meet friends for coffee and have a bite to eat, this cafe and candy shop is also a great place to find a small hostess gift for the next holiday party. The Little Flower Candy Co. is known for its delectable sweets. Give someone special the “candy kitchen’s” homemade caramels, which come in three flavors: sea salt, lemon and vanilla. Hand-cut marshmallows are also available in four flavors: vanilla, chocolate, coffee and cinnamon sugar. For your chef, delight him or her with The Little Flower Co.’s chef Christine Moore’s “Little Flower: Recipes from the Cafe” book.